A 13-hour road trip to Fisk University changed Analah Fearce’s life. This Minneapolis, MN, native is now a junior business administration major with a concentration in accounting at Fisk University, a UNCF-member institution. UNCF’s Charles Allis Educational Scholarship and the Edward Fiddleman Foundation Scholarship made it possible for Fearce to pursue her degree out of state.

Fearce always planned to attend a historically Black college and university (HBCU), but she knew she didn’t want to stay in her hometown. She dreamed of attending one on the East Coast and was accepted to a total of 13 universities, including Fisk. When her mom learned she got accepted to Fisk University, they took a 13-hour road trip to visit the campus, which changed everything.

During the visit, Fearce realized that Fisk University was the right choice for her. From her first interaction with a security guard to witnessing the warm and inviting people on campus, she felt a sense of belonging.

“The close-knit aspect; that’s why most people come to Fisk,” she said.

That’s what really drew me in; that I would be seen on campus and not just be another number that really hooked me.”

Growing up in a single-parent household with a mother and brother who both have student loan debt, Fearce understood the financial burden of pursuing a college degree and didn’t want to take on additional debt. UNCF scholarship support lifted that burden for Fearce and her family.

“I have an older brother who also has student loans from college,” she shared. “When it was time for me to go to college, [my mother] didn’t really want to have to take out loans or be in debt for me going to college.”

Her freshmen year was very challenging paying for school, taking out student loans and balancing classes while performing on the Ladies of R.A.G.E. (Rhythm, Agility, Grace, Essence) dance team. At one point, Fearce was afraid that she would have to drop her classes if she didn’t receive scholarship support.

“It’s a real blessing because on top of the rest of the stuff you have to do in college, the last thing you want to worry about is money when you already don’t necessarily have a lot,” she said.

With the financial burden removed, Fearce was able to focus on extracurricular activities on campus:  a dancer on the dance team; a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; campus queen for the Alpha Delta chapter of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.; and president of the college ministry, No Potential Left Behind. Through these campus organizations, Fearce gained leadership and professional development skills.

“College has truly opened up so many doors for me—doors that I never knew were possible—allowing me to grow both academically and personally,” she said.

After graduation, she plans to develop a community center called P.E.A.C.E. (Promising to Establish Authentic Community Empowerment) that will provide mental health counseling, after-school programs for children, fitness classes and entrepreneurship courses to educate the public on how to start their own business.

Fearce hopes that UNCF donors understand that their generosity changes the lives of students like hers. “A huge thanks to UNCF and all the donors that make students dreams like mine turn into reality,” she said. “I am truly grateful for the support and love that you all have put behind me.”

UNCF is proud of our students and alumni who have received scholarships that help them continue their education and graduate. These scholarships are invaluable to students, and UNCF is accepting donations to support students like Analah Fearce in their academic endeavors.

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